In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Swift, an innovative organizational consultant and the author of Work Here Now: Think Like a Human and Build a Powerhouse Workplace. Having worked with global giants like Mercer and Deloitte, Melissa brings a data-driven yet deeply human perspective to understanding what’s broken about modern work—and how we can actually fix it. Her book unpacks the three types of “broken work” and introduces the “work anxiety monster,” but what truly sets Melissa apart is her focus on actionable strategies. She challenges us to rethink everything from the pace of our to-do lists to how many people really need to be in that next meeting, revealing just how much of our stress is self-inflicted by outdated systems and unexamined routines.
We dive into the surprising truth that pouring billions into technology often creates more headaches than solutions, and Melissa makes a compelling case for “couples counseling” between humans and their tech. Our conversation explores why genuine progress at work is less about grand gestures and more about attending to the day-to-day basics: how we collaborate, communicate, and set boundaries. It’s a hopeful, practical look at what it will take to shape a future of work that’s healthier, more productive, and actually human.
The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway
Melissa urges us to challenge the belief that “the work is the work.” It’s not only okay, but necessary, to step back and evaluate which activities are meaningful and which are not. That simple mindset shift, she says, can change everything.
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